Cracking The Digital Twin Code

As an AEC professional, you may have recently heard of the digital twin and wondered, "Is this another way of saying BIM?" or "What am I getting out of it?" In the next few minutes, we'll break down the digital twin code at an intermediate level of detail to avoid becoming another attractive advertisement for the digital twin and to provide some information about the implementation without getting entangled in the details.

History:

David Gelernter's 1991 book "Mirror Worlds: or the Day Software Puts the Universe in a Shoebox—How It Will Happen and What It Will Mean" described the concept of digital twins. Michael Grieves of the Florida Institute of Technology is widely acknowledged as the inventor of the digital twin concept in manufacturing in industry and academic publications. I assume that by mentioning this, I may create some ambiguity, as there is currently no connection to the AEC industry. To understand why the Digital Twin has gained popularity among AEC professionals, we must first define the current industry challenges that prompted its development.

AEC Industry Challenges:

1. There is massive data to manage (drawings, equipment information, inspections, etc.).
2. Facilities managers require a mechanism to keep an eye on complicated constructions to function correctly.
3. The decision-making process might be extremely long when dealing with susceptible situations.

The Digital Twin Solution

The concept of the digital twin is composed of three distinct components:

1. The physical product.
2. The digital/virtual product.
3. The connections between the two.

Sensors collect data from the machine and can be used to continuously update a "digital twin" or the digital copy of the device's state. The maintenance of power generation equipment such as turbines, jet engines, and locomotives is an example of how digital twins are used to optimize machines. So, you have a 3D model for the device, and it can be used to determine the status of a physical object, allowing for the projection of physical objects into the digital world.

How can this solution be effective for AEC?

The Digital Twin for AEC

By mapping the Digital Twin's original principles to the AEC. We can see that the physical product is the structure, the digital product is the model, and the Internet of Things (IoT) sensors serve as the link between the two.

Digital Twin Tiers

In my perspective, I see AEC digital twin systems should be based on three main tiers:

Data Acquisition Tier

This tier represents the link between the physical entity and its digital representation. It is necessary to rapidly update the structure's or its elements' state to achieve the digital twin, as it serves as a mirror. Data collection can be accomplished by using mobile devices carried by field workers or IoT sensors in the pursuit of real-time communication. Real-time communication is critical when it comes to developing a digital twinning process.

Data Tier

When we think of data tiers, the first thing that comes to mind is the traditional tabular data. Due to the unique characteristics of our industry, we are obliged to use visualized models to simulate the relationships between the elements. BIM and GIS connect models to their associated data, resulting in a context-aware model in which each part contains its related data. We are going to elaborate more in the next section.

Data Processing

As we all know, "garbage in, garbage out" applies to information systems. Accurate data enables the provision of meaningful KPIs and insights. The data can be used for various types of analysis, including cost, environmental, and spatial analysis. Additionally, the data can be used as input for machine learning algorithms that can be used for various purposes, such as predictive maintenance.

Digital Twin Enablers:

Building Information Modeling (BIM):

BIM creates a three-dimensional model of all structure elements, superstructures, or infrastructure. BIM models incorporate time, cost, and the element's relationship to its surroundings. This data can be incredibly beneficial during the data processing stage. Additionally, BIM as a process aims to produce an accurate as-built model that enables facility managers and owners to make the most of the digital twin system by accurately replicating the real-world structure.

Geospatial Information System (GIS):

GIS enhances the solution's spatial intelligence. GIS digital maps represent actual-world features in their precise geographic locations. Each part is associated with a database record containing all associated data. GIS ensures the integrity of tabular data by allowing the user to define data entry rules. Additionally, it enables us to define geometrical relationships between elements regardless of their connectivity rules for pipeline networks or topology rules that warn the modeler against creating features in forbidden locations.

GIS-BIM Integration

GIS/BIM integration requirements came from the initiative to take the most innovative infrastructure design and construction approach possible when creating smart cities. To accomplish this, geospatial companies must make decisions, plan, and do everything else more intelligently than ever before. The most effective method of achieving this is by connecting and integrating GIS and BIM. Such integrated systems are the foundation of future evolution. This evolution could include the most advanced infrastructure for smart cities.

As is well known, BIM represents more than the BIM model. BIM models are "just" a result of the BIM process. Additionally, GIS is not simply a dynamic map. GIS is capable of integrating with a variety of other systems. Additionally, spatial analysis assists in defining the optimal site location. The combination of BIM and GIS enables the BIM to fuel the GIS and the GIS to empower the BIM. The new GeoBIM model incorporates additional information from the outdoor environment and enhances the model's detail at the indoor level. If you are interested in further information about GIS and BIM integration, I think you would like to check my LinkedIn article: "BIM & GIS: Competition or Integration? " Additionally, you can read my other article on how to implement this integration in Permitting: "BIM-GIS Solution for Building E-Permitting Automation ."

Now we have an accurate digital copy of the structure using BIM & GIS processes, and we need to link it to the physical entity. It is IoT time.

Internet of things (IoT)

IoT describes physical objects that incorporate sensors, processing capability, software, and other technologies and communicate with and exchange data with other devices and systems via the Internet or other communication networks.

Sensors can collect various data types, including lighting, temperature, and environmental data. As a result, you can determine which utility pole requires maintenance or which room is on fire.

City Information Management (CIM)

We apply this process at any level of detail, from city to equipment, using the Digital Twin enablers. The first step is to create a data repository that contains both graphical and textual data. The second step is connecting it to real-time data acquisition tools. Thus, we have a common operating picture (COP) for the entire city that reflects real-world data in real-time and can be used in the third step, which is data manipulation, which can take the form of insights dashboards, technical data analysis or predictions using machine learning techniques.

Conclusion

The digital twin exists in the here and now, not in the future. Complete control over your asset can help you save time, effort, and money. Providing our systems with this level of accuracy can be highly beneficial to the entire industry's growth. The digital twin creates infinite opportunities for all stakeholders in construction projects.